About Foundation

About the First Responders Foundation

Police officers and firefighters put their lives on the line for us each and every day.

They are the first people on the scene when an emergency strikes. While everyone else is running away, these brave men and women are running towards dangerous situations to save and protect the people of our community.

Our foundation exists to support and recognize these first responders.

We are the only foundation in Omaha that focuses on both police and firefighters, and we are the only foundation that provides these first responders with support and vital equipment. We partner directly with Omaha’s police and fire chiefs to fulfill wish lists and provide meaningful resources that make a positive impact on the community.

You can help make a difference in our community.

Join us in showing appreciation to these first responders for their dedicated service by making a donation or volunteering to help support our cause.

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to serve and honor all our First Responders and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety.

We do this by creating and supporting unique programs and events designed to educate, inform and inspire and by providing necessary resources and services to First Responders and our citizens.

Our Vision
By 2020, to be the recognized service organization leading advocacy and community support for all first responders and their families; be a foundation critical to the maintenance and enhancement of public safety in the Greater Omaha area and an essential organization in the realization of Omaha’s 2040 strategy of “People, Place, Prosperity”. By 2025, to expand this support and advocacy within our region.

Our Story

The First Responders Foundation is rooted in 9/11 remembrance, and was conceived during a discussion founders Ray Somberg and Jerry Hoberman had in 2008 when they reflected on how first responders are often taken for granted until tragedy strikes. They decided to create a nonprofit organization centered around police and firefighter appreciation and support.

Since then, the foundation has grown into Omaha’s premier nonprofit in supporting first responders. We focus efforts on fundraising, programming, and events that support our mission to enhance public safety and build community appreciation and respect for our first responders.

Our efforts include:

9/11 Minute of Silence

9/11 Memorial Benefit

Annual Golf Tournament

Youth Athletic Program

Action Day

First Responder Appreciation Lunches

#SupportBlue Campaign

Carbon Monoxide / Smoke Detector Program

and More!

Awards and Community Recognition

Every year, the American Red Cross holds a Heroes in the Heartland luncheon to honor organizations and individuals in six different categories. The First Responders Foundation will be honored at the 2015 luncheon under the “Commitment to Communities” category.

The First Responders Foundation is a licensed 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit foundation, tax I.D. number 26-3499345.